Italian fashion artists of the 1950s recognized the growing need for accessible, comfortable and yet equally refined clothing lines that would bridge the gap between French couture and the sport elegance trade popular in America. The never-ending boom of the Italian pret-a-porter was about to be set in motion.

Photo Credit: [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Candy_colors_fashion.jpg]Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Gucci are all the rage, and nearly every femme fatale has swept down the red carpet in a Valentino gown on her way to the Oscarâ€™s.

Hereâ€™s the story about how the Italian designers faced down the Parisian fashion monopoly to reign supreme as suppliers of high fashion chic accessories and pret-a-porter clothing.

Saks Brings Italy to America

IIn 1951, G. B. Giorgini lured retail magnates, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman to his estate to view the best of Italyâ€™s top designers. The stores were delighted and walked away with lavish gowns fabricated by several imaginative and innovative Italian designers.

This paved the way for a new, accessible style of clothing for the American and European elite who craved novelty and the Italianâ€™s artistic interpretation of contemporary art and postmodern culture.

Made famous by Missoni, Versace and Armani in the 70â€™s, Italian ready-to-wear clothing took the world by storm with its daring and bold creations and emphasis on structure.

Gianni Versace also rose to prominence in the 1970â€™s with his colorful interpretation of Andy Warholâ€™s pop artÂ oeuvre.

Since then, the Versace Medusa head icon has graced everything from necklaces and watches to the sado-masochistic themed black leather collection the designer brought to the runway in 1992.

Although Versace tragically died in 1997, his design house lives on, and Versace pieces are avidly sought by anyone wishing to make a vivid impression.

The world would not be the same without Italian designersâ€™ vision of feminine and masculine perfection, art and contemporary culture. Thanks to modern manufacturing, what was once only available to the mega wealthy is able to be mass produced andÂ accessible.

Photo Credit: [http://www.blogvedete.com/wp-content/gallery/noua-colectie-versace-1/rochii-versace_0.jpg]Now that Â couture design is available for mass consumption, is it losing it’s unique, one of a kind appeal? Can it still be considered a luxury good if not a few but thousands of shoppers can afford its purchase price? Is this a topic for a another postÂ altogether? Yes! So stay tuned.